Going forward

Posted on Fri Dec 17th, 2021 @ 9:51pm by Captain Xavier Carey & Commander Marisa Sandoval

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: After negotiations

Materializing onto the bridge along with everyone except for the mentarin, who were transported right to the morgue, Xavier turned to the tactical Officer. "Ensign, Yellow alert." He turned to face the view screen. The bird of prey was still looming out there. He had the Captains assurance. However, klingons were known to mutiny, and given the circumstances. He could not risk it. "Commander Sandoval, my ready room please."

Marisa nodded, not sure what the Captain wanted, and followed him.

As they entered the ready room he walked around the desk. "I want your take Commander. The leader of Mentar is dead. On our watch."

"Yes, he is. And Chesire was acting oddly for most of the time." She sat down across from his desk. "We've failed the Mentarins on many levels."

"Hard to believe he was a changeling all along." Xavier replied as he stroked his beard. "They've lost too much as it is. We have got to make sure that doesn't happen again. I have contacts with Starfleet with my old CO. He can hasten any help that's needed. First contact and all this stuff going down, he is the guy I know can get this handled."

"I thought Chesire was working with the Orions, but I never suspected that." She shook her head. "I hope your former Captain can help. I'm still willing to stay on as a liaison. I've worked with civilian governments on scientific projects. This won't be that different."

"You would be a good help, but I could use you more here with me, Commander. But we aren't done looking into this. It may take time but we will see how far this goes with the Dominion and the Orions."

"I know we're not done yet," she said. "But worst case scenario, I will stay. You have plenty of options to replace me. I can't say the same for the Mentarins."

"Nobody is replaceable Commander. Captain leonard was not replaceable. Commander Kane was not replaceable. Us going out and stopping them the only thing we can do to prevent the worst case scenario. I think thats what the Mentarins would prefer. The Dominion are picking fights. They want to send the Orions after people we forgot. Its up to us to bring justice to all those forgotten. We owe it to them. That includes you. Preferrably."

"We do owe it to them after neglecting them for so long," she said. "But can you honestly say that Starfleet will take up the slack?"

"Starfleet needs this ore now.more than ever. Which I'd why they sent Captain Leonard. With the Dominion somehow involved. That raises the stakes. Trust me. Eyes are wide open. They will be pulling in the reigns on this."

"They should have had eyes on this years ago," she countered. "These people need someone they can trust."

"That we should have " Xavier replied pausing. "As this being my first command, this will be something that will always hold onto. Something I will be protective over." He leaned back. "Alright I'll bite. Why are you so eager to volunteer to remain."

"I'm not eager to leave, if that's what you're asking," she said. "I love working in Starfleet. But as an archaeologist, I've had several opportunities to work with governments that are either afraid of scientists or want to exploit what we find. I see both of those here and I think my experience, plus my ties to the Federation, could help facilitate change." She shook her head. "I don't plan on making this permanent, either. I want to stay long enough to get them bak on their feet, under their own rule. Then I want to return to Starfleet."

"Why not an extended sabbatical help. That way when you are ready. Then your position would be awaiting. You are a great officer I would hate to lose you completely."

Marisa considered that for a moment, then nodded. "I haven't been here long, but I like the crew. A sabbatical would be perfect. I don't expect this to take more than six months or so."

"Then I'm not as reluctant to say yes. I know you will do this crew proud."

She smiled. "Thank you. That means a lot."

"Now lets see what's on the klingon front." Xavier replied pressing the coms. "Commander Doctrine please report to the ready room."